By Lizzie Exton

Writing the ideal cover letter can be hard, and you’ll need to tailor each one you pen to suit the vacancy you’re applying for.  There are, however, certain things you’ll need to include whatever position you’re chasing, so it’s always worth having a template you can structure each letter around. 

Here’s a handy guide to penning the perfect cover letter, with some warnings about the pitfalls you’ll need to avoid.

Beginning

If you can find a named contact to address your letter to, great, but always keep things formal by addressing them as Mr or Ms.  If you don’t have a name then simply start with ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ – it might sound terribly old-fashioned but it’s still the done thing.

Next, use your opening paragraph to really sell yourself to them.  Introduce yourself by name and tell them which role it is you’re applying for, because HR teams are often looking to fill multiple vacancies at any given time.  In this opening paragraph you should also tell them where you saw the position advertised, why you were attracted to the role and why you would be their ideal candidate.  You could also mention your undergraduate or postgraduate degrees, so they know you’re well qualified.

Middle

Now you’re into the main section of the cover letter, so take two to three short paragraphs to explain why you’re the right fit.  In the first of these paragraphs you should reiterate why you want to work for this particular company, in this particular role.  You can never sound too enthusiastic, and should prove that you’ve done your research and know all there is to about the company and the job.

In subsequent paragraphs you need to set out your qualifications, your skills and your experience.  Be as specific as you can, taking each of the key criteria listed in the job ad and referring them back to your own experiences and achievements.  They want concrete proof that you tick all the boxes.

End

Take a final paragraph to briefly summarize why you are the best candidate for the job and thank them for the time (you hope) they’ve spent reading your letter from beginning to end.  Also include a call to action, offering to supply examples of your work (unless, of course, you’ve already done this as requested in the ad) or by saying that you hope to hear from them soon.  Round off your letter with a polite ‘Kind regards’ or ‘Many thanks’ and your name.

Dos and Don’ts

Do:

• Keep your cover letter to a page or under, as more may mean your recipient switches off
• Try to address all the key specifications set out in the advert
• Lay it on thick when it comes to explaining how much you want to work for this particular company. Forget this, and it may look like you’ve just sent the same cover letter to multiple companies without much thought.

Don’t:

• Rehash your CV.
• Use colors or unusual fonts – while you might be a creative individual, trying to jazz up your cover letter this way could make it harder to read and put the recruiter off.
• Make the letter entirely about you and what you want from the role. Recruiters and companies want to know you’re willing to give them your all and aren’t simply on the take. Flatter them and you cannot fail.

Lizzie Exton writes for Inspiring Interns, a graduate recruitment agency based in London.

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Planning to study psychology and need some additional funding? Check out these psychology scholarships on offer around the world, broken down by region…

Psychology scholarships to study in the US and Canada:

• Annette Urso Rickel Foundation Dissertation Award for Public Policy – A US$1,000 psychology scholarship is available in support of research on psychology-related public policy.
• American Psychological Foundation Scott and Paul Pearsall Scholarship – US$10,000 to support work that seeks to increase the public’s understanding of the psychological pain and stigma experienced by adults who live with physical disabilities.
• F. J. McGuigan Dissertation Award – US$2,000 is available to support dissertation research aimed at advancing a cohesive conception of brain and behavior.
• University of Guelph Graduate Scholarship in Industrial Organizational Psychology and other psychology scholarships – A range of postgraduate scholarships offered by Canada’s University of Guelph.
• The Chicago School of Professional Psychology – Scholarships available include the Global Impact Scholarship and the International Student Grant, both available to international students who wish to study at The Chicago School, US.
• The Anna Gordon Memorial Endowed Scholarship – Scholarships for psychology majors in their senior year in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Alabama, US.
• Virginia Commonwealth University – A variety of scholarships for psychology students at Virginia Commonwealth University, US.
• Gallagher Student Health Careers Scholarship Program – Scholarships for psychology undergraduates in the US who wish to pursue a career in healthcare. Open to international students as well as US citizens.
• University of Minnesota Department of Psychology – Scholarships for psychology undergraduate students currently enrolled at the University of Minnesota, US.
• Franklin D. Boyce Scholarship – Funding for applicants who are attending or will shortly be studying an undergraduate degree in a health-related field. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be a resident of Hopewell or one of the surrounding areas.

Psychology scholarships to study in Europe:

• University of Copenhagen Graduate School of Health and Medical Sciences – A range of scholarship options for psychology PhD candidates at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. (Page is in Danish).
• Berlin School of Mind and Brain – The Einstein Center for Neuroscience in Berlin (ECN) in Germany offers fellowships for a competitive four-year neuroscience PhD program, to start in October 2019. National as well as international scientists with an exceptional academic background are welcome to apply.

UK:

• Bangor University School of Psychology – Psychology scholarships are available for both international and domestic students at Bangor University. The university also awards an annual Women in Science Bursary.
• Bournemouth University Subject Achievement Scholarship in Psychology – A scholarship for UK/EU students to study a bachelor’s degree in psychology at the university.
• King’s College London Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience – Postgraduate scholarships to study at King’s College London, including the Dr Antony Kidman Scholarship in Health Psychology, established with actress Nicole Kidman.
• Lancaster University – Merit-based scholarships to study a taught master’s (MSc) degree in psychology at Lancaster University.
• London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Hilde Himmelweit Scholarship – Three scholarships worth £2,000 each are available to study a full time MSc Social and Cultural Psychology.
• Reading University School of Psychology – Three International Excellence Scholarships are available for psychology students from outside the EU who show outstanding academic achievement, with awards at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
• University of Edinburgh School of Philosophy, Psychology, Language Science – Two scholarship options to study any subject in psychology within the school at the University of Edinburgh.
• University of Kent School of Psychology Taught Masters Scholarships – Tuition fee discount scholarships worth up to £2,000. You must have achieved (or be on track to achieve) an excellent result in an undergraduate psychology degree.

Psychology scholarships to study in Australia & New Zealand:

• The Health Workforce Scholarship Program (HWSP) – Postgraduate scholarships for allied health professionals to undertake further study in Australia.
• University of Auckland School of Psychology – A range of scholarships for postgraduate students to study psychology at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, including the Winifred Gimblett Prize.
• University of Sydney – A variety of postgraduate scholarships to study at the University of Sydney’s School of Psychology, including the Campbell Perry International Research Scholarship.

Psychology scholarships to study anywhere in the world:

• Psi Chi – An international honor society in psychology, which offers a range of research grants and other funding to both undergraduate and graduate students.
• Singapore Management University – Overseas post-doctoral fellowship (OPF) provides doctoral candidates who are about to complete or have recently completed their studies a chance to partake in advanced training and/or research at an overseas university for one year. As well as financial support, awardees will also receive academic mentorship. Applicants must hold Singaporean citizenship and an excellent academic record, particularly in their chosen field.

This article was originally published in September 2015. It was last updated in December 2018.

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Click any of the questions below to get impartial information about studying abroad in Germany, from the admissions process at German universities, tuition fees in Germany (or lack thereof) and German student visa applications, to scholarships to study in Germany and more.

If we haven’t answered your question, please either ask us in the comments at the bottom of this page or post your question in our international student forum.

1. Can I study in Germany free of charge?

2. What qualifications do German universities offer?

3. How can I study medicine in Germany?

4. What are the entry requirements to study abroad in Germany?

5. Do I need to speak German?

6. How do I apply to universities in Germany?

7. Do I need a German student visa to study abroad in Germany?

8. Where can I study in Germany?

9. What’s the difference between a university and a ‘Fachhochschulen’?

10. Are scholarships available to cover living costs?

11. What is studying in Germany like?

12. Where will I live during my studies?

13. Can I work in Germany during my studies?

14. Can I stay in Germany when I complete my studies?

15. Further questions?

1. Can I study in Germany free of charge?

This will depend on your study level, country of origin, and which state you study in. Tuition fees at all public universities were originally axed in 2014, but were reintroduced for non-EU/EEA students in the south-western state of Baden-Württemberg in autumn 2017.

These fees are set at €1,500 per semester – therefore coming to €3,000 per year (~US$3,440). Students obtaining a second degree will pay a reduced rate of €650 per semester, or €1,300 per year (~US$1,500). Students from Erasmus member states are exempt from these fees. Although no longer free, tuition fees are still far lower than other popular study destinations.

It’s possible that non-EU/EEA tuition fees will be reintroduced to other states in the coming years, but, for now, undergraduate-level tuition at all other public universities in Germany remains free of charge for all students, both in and outside the EU. You will, however, need to pay a nominal administration fee per semester, which is typically no more than €250 (~US$225).

For postgraduate students, however, tuition fees still exist.  These fees may be avoided (or cut dramatically) if you have already graduated from an undergraduate program in Germany in the last few years. If you studied in another country at undergraduate level, you are classed as a non-consecutive student and will need to pay tuition fees, which will vary between universities and courses.

For more information about tuition fees in Germany, see the following:

• How Much Does it Cost to Study in Germany?
• Tuition Fees Reintroduced at Some German Universities

2. What qualifications do universities in Germany offer?

Under the Bologna reform, all universities in Germany offer internationally recognized degrees. A BA or a BSc (Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science) will usually take six semesters (three years) to complete, and these are the most common undergraduate degrees. For postgraduate studies, an MA or MSc (Master of Arts / Master of Science) will take two-four semesters (one-two years) and a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) will last four-six semesters (two-three years).

More specialized degrees are also available at certain German universities. If you’d like more information about gaining an MBA (Masters in Business Administration) in Germany, visit this guide on our sister site TopMBA.com.

3. How can I study medicine in Germany?

You can study medicine for free at any public university in Germany, but will need to have a strong knowledge of both German and English, among other requirements. Medical training programs in Germany are not split into bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and will take at least six years and three months to complete. Spaces are very competitive, with many more applicants than places. You can read more about the requirements, application process, program structure and more in our article How to Study Medicine in Germany. 

4. What are the entry requirements to study in Germany?

To study abroad in Germany you need to hold a higher education entrance qualification or Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB). This qualification can come in many formats, particularly for international students who have gained their school-leaving qualifications in a different country.

For prospective undergraduate students, a high-school diploma, school-leaving certificate or university entrance exam result is usually sufficient. For postgraduate programs, students need to provide an undergraduate degree certificate. Usually, if your qualification would allow you entry into higher education in your home country, it will also be sufficient to allow you to apply to German universities. To check whether your current qualifications are recognized for study in Germany, use the form on this page.

If you find that your qualification is not recognized, you are also able to take a preparatory course at a Studienkolleg before taking a compulsory assessment test known as a Feststellungprüfung. This assessment will cover areas that are relevant to the program you wish to study and will prepare you for university.

If you wish to undertake a program being taught in German (the teaching language of most undergraduate programs in Germany), you will also need to prove your German proficiency (see question five below for more information).

In addition to German-language proficiency and an entrance qualification, you may also need to meet the specific entry requirements of your chosen university program. These requirements depend on the reputation of the school and of the program, and can be found by looking at the program information in the university’s prospectus or online.

5. Do I need to speak German?

The language of instruction at most universities in Germany is German. All students undertaking a German-taught program will need to be able to demonstrate a firm knowledge of the language, either by means of a language test result or by taking a preparatory course. Accepted proficiency tests are the DSH (German Language University Entrance Examination for International Applicants), TestDaF (Test of German as a Foreign Language), GDS (Goethe Institut German Language Diploma) and the DSD (German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of the Minister of Education and Cultural Affairs, Level II). If you are only studying in Germany for one or two semesters you may not need to provide this evidence.

If you have a limited knowledge of German, you could consider taking an English-language program. There are a growing number of English-taught programs at universities in Germany, particularly at postgraduate level. If you are a non-native English speaker, you may be required to provide proof of your English-language proficiency with a TOEFL or IELTS result. If your chosen school requires this, they will list proof of English-language proficiency as an entry requirement.

However, even if you do study in Germany in English, it’s advisable to learn the basics of the German language to enable you to communicate more effectively with the local residents.

6. How do I apply to universities in Germany?

Admissions processes vary between institutions, so make sure you check the information given by your chosen university before applying. If you’re unable to find the entry requirements of a program you want to apply for, or you aren’t sure how to apply, visit the university’s International Office (Akademisches Auslandsamt) and either read the information provided online or contact the office directly. There should be staff members available to provide support and advice on any topic relating to international student applications.

Generally, you’ll be asked to provide the following documentation with your application:

• A certified copy of your higher education entrance qualification (e.g. a high-school diploma) and any other relevant qualifications in the original language
• A translated overview of the subjects and grades of your qualifications
• A passport photo
• A copy of your passport (personal information and photo ID)
• Proof of language proficiency (a test certificate or online equivalent)

For most public German universities, the application period for the winter semester begins in early May and ends mid-July. For the summer intake, the application period is between early December and mid-January. You should expect to receive a formal acceptance or rejection approximately one to two months after the deadline has passed.

To ensure the best chances of acceptance, take care to provide all the documentation asked for, make sure all your documentation is certified (copies of documents also need to be certified by the awarding school) and check that you’ve filled out all your information correctly before submitting your application.

For more information on how to apply, see this article.

7. Do I need a German student visa to study in Germany?

Whether you need a German student visa depends on your country of origin. If you are from a country within the EU or the EEA or from Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you do not need a student visa. If you are from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Japan or South Korea you still do not require a student visa, but you will need to register for a residence permit upon arrival in Germany. If you are from Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco, San Marino or Taiwan, you only need a visa if you plan on working in Germany before or after your studies. If your home country hasn’t been mentioned above, then you will need to apply for a German student visa at least three months before you are due to travel.

For detailed information on how to apply for a German student visa or a residence permit, check out this article:

• How to Get a German Student Visa

8. Where can I study in Germany?

A total of 45 German universities currently feature in the QS World University Rankings®, meaning that you have a great selection of world-leading universities to choose from. If you want to study in a world-renowned student city, you might consider Munich or Berlin, both ranked among the world’s top 10 cities for students in the QS Best Student Cities index.

However, there are lots of regions of Germany with something to offer, including North Rhine-Westphalia (home of cities such as Dusseldorf and Cologne), Baden-Wurttemberg (home of Stuttgart), Bavaria (home of Munich), Hesse (home of Frankfurt am Main), Lower Saxony (home of Hannover), Saxony (home of Dresden) and Hamburg (a state which is also a city).

To help you choose a university, the QS World University Rankings by Subject has rankings for 48 subjects as of 2018 – simply narrow the results down by country to select only German institutions. You can also use the compare tool to further narrow down your choices on factors such as international diversity and rankings history.

9. What’s the difference between a university and a fachhochschulen?

While all degree programs in Germany lead to a recognized bachelor’s or master’s qualification (or the German equivalent), there are some institutions, named fachhochschulen, which are more geared towards practical learning. Fachhochschulen or universities of applied sciences, typically offer degrees in fields such as engineering, natural science and business administration. Attending a university of applied science may give you a closer relationship with industry contacts and offer more opportunity for practical learning, including internships. If you wish to pursue an academic career, on the other hand, fachhochschulen may not be the best option, as there is less focus on theoretical work and they do not award PhDs.

10. Are scholarships available to cover living costs?

Although tuition fees in Germany are non-existent at public universities, you still need to consider how you’ll cover living costs. If you don’t have a sponsor or supporting family member, there are countless opportunities to gain scholarships to cover these costs.

Scholarships to study in Germany can be obtained in several ways. The German government offers some funding to international students through the DAAD or the European Commission’s Erasmus+ scheme, but many opportunities are offered independently by German universities or external funding bodies. Browse the funding options on your chosen university’s website to see if they offer any international scholarships –these are often awarded based on merit, subject of study and/or country of origin.

For a selection of general and subject-specific scholarships to study in Germany, see this list:

• Scholarships to Study in Germany

11. What is studying in Germany like?

To learn more about the lifestyle, student cities and the leading universities in Germany, take a look at the following resources.

Guides:

• How to study abroad in Germany
• How to apply for a Masters in Germany
• How to study a PhD in Germany

Articles:

• The Growing Popularity of International Study in Germany
• Top 10 Things to Do in Germany

Blog posts:

• 7 Perks of Studying in Germany
• How Hard is it to Study Abroad in Germany
• Student Life in Germany
• What International Students Say About Studying in Germany
• 7 Videos You Must Watch if You Want to Study in Germany

12. Where will I live during my studies?

Unfortunately, most German universities do not offer accommodation to enrolling students. This means that finding accommodation is up to you. With little to no tuition fees in Germany, rent is likely to be your biggest monthly expense, and this will vary depending on which part of the country you live in. In big cities within Western Germany (i.e. Dusseldorf, Cologne etc.) and smaller, student-oriented cities such as Heidelberg and Freiburg, you should expect to pay slightly more than if you were living in eastern Germany (i.e. Berlin).

When looking for accommodation in Germany, you should consider student residences, shared accommodation or an apartment. An unshared apartment is the most expensive choice, and this will generally cost in the region of €357 (~US$320) a month. Shared accommodation would be cheaper at around €280 (~US$250) a month, while student residences are cheaper yet again at around €234 (~US$210) a month.

If you struggle with finding accommodation, you can also look for somewhere temporary to cover your first few days or weeks in the country. In these instances, emergency housing may be provided by the university or you could try couch-surfing, staying in a hostel, B&B or hotel.

For more information on finding accommodation visit this article on the DAAD website. You could also use the Study-in-de’s accommodation finder, which includes information, addresses and application details on a large selection of student residence halls in Germany.

13. Can I work in Germany during my studies?

Yes, you can. If you are a full-time EU or EEA student (or from Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland) you can work for up to 20 hours per week. If you are a full-time student from outside of the EU, you will be limited to working up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year before you must apply for a work permit. Upon gaining paid work in Germany you should contact the German employment office to learn about the legal conditions.

Read more about gaining work in Germany during your studies:

• How to Find a Student Job in Germany
• How to work in Germany during or after your studies

14. Can I stay in Germany when I complete my studies?

Yes. After completing your studies in Germany as an international student, you’re able to apply for a residence permit to stay in the country and seek work for an additional period of 18 months. If you gain work in Germany within this time you should make sure that you extend your visa, residence or work permit to ensure you are living in the country legally. Find out more here.

15. Further questions?

If you have any further questions, please ask them in the comments below or in our international student forum.

This article was originally published in December 2014. It was last updated in December 2018.

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